Obituary of Domenico Sansotta

Sunrise: July 29, 1931 – Sunset: June 18, 2019 Domenico passed away at his home surrounded by his loving family as he held his sweetheart’s hand one last time. Loving and devoted husband for 65 years to Anna Maria (nee Monteleone). Cherished father of Elena and Antonio Mariani, Filippo and Monica Sansotta (nee Dauncey), Josie and Rick Zannese, Tina and Christopher Bendo (2010), Nick and Theresa Sansotta (nee Unis), and Angelina and Sam DeRose. Proud and adoring nonno to Steven and Rasha Mariani (nee Yacoub), Tanya (nee Mariani) and Nick Skaff, Adam and Alana Mariani (nee Antogiovanni), Anna Maria Jr. (nee Sansotta) and Giacomo Calvaruso, Nicoletta Bendo, Matthew Bendo, Robert DeRose, David DeRose, Kayla DeRose (1996), Domenic Sansotta Jr. and Eva Sansotta. Doting bisnonno to Tristan, Keira, Mariella, and Majella Mariani, Alexander Skaff, GianLuca and Giordano Mariani, and Vienna Calvaruso. Treasured brother and brother-in-law to Cesare (2016) and Antonietta Sansotta, Josephine (nee Sansotta) and Michele DiManno, Bruno and Gabriella (2012) Sansotta, Domenico (2002) and Teresa (1989) Monteleone, Giuseppe (2017) and Maria Monteleone, and Rocco (1975) and Elena (2013) Monteleone. Devoted son to Filippo (1964) and Elena (1973) and son-in-law to Giuseppa (1965) and Pietro (1986). Proud uncle of many nieces, nephews, great-nieces, and great-nephews. He will be sadly missed by many relatives and friends in Canada, the USA, Australia, and Italy. Domenico was born in the small town of Ciminà in Reggio, Calabria. He married his childhood sweetheart on January 10, 1954. In 1958 he immigrated to Canada with his wife and three children. It was difficult to leave his homeland, but his desire for his children to reap the opportunities Canada could provide outweighed the pain of leaving Italy and his loved ones behind. The family grew as three more children were born in Canada. He worked extremely hard to provide for his family often working more than one job. He retired from the City of Windsor Public Works after 27 years of service. Domenico was an avid, skilled, and gifted gardener. He loved to be outdoors and spending time in his garden was a refuge from the stresses of life. He enjoyed reading and taking trips to the Windsor Public Library. He loved to sing and was a proud member of Il Coro Italiano. He was known to be a gregarious host always inviting family and friends to share some wine, homemade bread, cheese, giardiniera, and his famous homemade cured meats. Spending time with family and friends meant so much to him. He taught us many lessons and was always ready to impart his wisdom. The most valuable lesson he taught was the importance of home, family, and friends not only through his love for his wife, children, and grandchildren, but through the special bond he shared with his brothers and sister. Throughout his life, he touched the lives and hearts of many. He had a big and generous heart and spirit and always made a point to say, "I love you and God bless you. Voletevi bene e rimaneti uniti. Amarci non costa niente.” Dad, thank you for all that you have given us and instilled in us. Thank you for your love that you shared unconditionally. We love you forever and always. Sei sempre nei nostri cuori. Visitation will be held at WINDSOR CHAPEL (Banwell Chapel) 11677 Tecumseh Rd E. on Saturday, June 22, 2019 from 7-9 p.m. Sunday, June 23 from 2-5 p.m. and 7-9 p.m. Parish prayers at 4:30 p.m. Funeral services Monday, June 24, 2019 at 9:45 a.m. from the funeral home, then to St. Angela Merici Church (980 Louis Ave.) for Funeral Mass at 11:00 a.m. Entombment to follow at Heavenly Rest Cemetery. Online condolences and cherished memories may be shared with Domenico’s family at www.windsorchapel.com .